Preview

After a 1-1 draw with title chasers Dundee on Friday evening, Rovers face off against table topping Queen's Park this Wednesday, in an SPFL Trust Trophy quarter final tie.

It's a tournament that Rovers have an excellent recent record in, but they'll have to be at their best to progress further, as they face the Championship's in-form team.

The Spiders have won eight consecutive matches in all competitions, scoring 28 goals in the process, which includes a 5-2 win at Stark's Park in November. Aidan Connolly had given Rovers the lead midway through the first half, but an excellent counter attacking performance from Owen Coyle's men saw them deservedly take all three points.

The first meeting between the sides in October may have been closer, but Queen's come out on top on the day in that one too, with Stephen Eze's second half header sealing a 1-0 win.

They also go into this one on the back of their biggest win of the season, a 6-0 win away from home against Cove Rangers, with Simon Murray scoring four, taking his tally for the season to 18, as the Glasgow side moved four points clear at the top of the table.

One way or another, history tells us that there will be a winner in this game, with the last draw between the teams coming back in 1987, a run of 18 matches without one finishing all-square.

The winners of this match will be away to Dunfermline or Dundee in the semi-final.

Wednesday night's match referee will be Chris Graham.

 

Head-to-Head Record

Queen's Park wins: 35

Raith Rovers wins: 49

Draws: 25

Reports

Rovers continue to be unstoppable force in SPFL Trust Trophy

It was a very wet and windy evening at Ochilview. Both teams made quite a few changes from the weekend: some through injury and some just rested. Rovers only had two outfield subs on the bench, so ‘barebones’ was word of the day amongst the travelling support.

The first half never really got going. Neither team could get any rhythm into their play or craft any real chances. Rovers only opening was a deep cross from debutant Adam Masson which was met by John Frederiksen, but his header was well over the bar.

Half-time: Queen’s Park 0-0 Raith Rovers

The second half saw a bit more goalmouth action. Calum Biggar shot over for the hosts just after half-time then it was Connor McBride’s turn to clear the bar after some neat play from the returning Kieran Mitchell.

The game fell into a midfield battle and it became apparent that the game would be settled by a single goal or penalties. And a single goal it was to be – in Rovers’ favour. With ten minutes to go, some nice build up saw the ball break to Frederiksen and his composed left-footed finish was out of reach for Queen’s keeper Calum Ferrie. Big John’s first competitive goal in a Rovers’ jersey.

Rovers celebrate big John's winning strike

In fact, he almost doubled Rovers’ lead late on with an audacious effort from 45 yards – only to be thwarted by a great save from Ferrie.

Rovers held out for victory and it sets up a semi-final tie away to Dundee or local rivals Dunfermline.

Full Time: Queen’s Park 0-1 Raith Rovers

Crowd: 636

 by David Proudfoot

Photos

 

Highlights

Interviews

Rovers manager Ian Murray spoke to RaithTV after the Quarter Final win over Queen's Park:

 

Goalscorer John Frederiksen spoke to RaithTV after the win v Queen's Park:

 

Andy McNeil, Adam Masson and Kieran Mitchell spoke after the victory over The Spiders: